A note about Yoga in general:
When looking to begin Yoga classes somewhere choose a class that is right for you based on your intention for pace and intensity and listening to your own body. At this studio I am trying to avoid the word "level" or "beginner" in class descriptions, because in Yoga it is all about developing a personal practice. I don't want the physical practice to define "yoga". What we offer here is primarily Hatha style yoga, a focus on grounding and staying breath centered...so anyone with any experience can go to classes. As strength and balance grows you may want to try a more intense or a faster paced flow, BUT, you may also choose to stay with a gentle practice your entire life. When you understand that for yourself you will be liberated from thinking that you aren't "advanced" if you don't ever do headstand or handstand etc. "Advanced" poses do NOT necessarily make an Advanced Yogi.
In fact the more "advanced" we are in Yoga has more to do with stillness than movement. :)
Yoga is primarily about connection...awareness of breath, connecting the mind, body and spirit and spending time in meditation. The poses are just a way to help us get there by moving and releasing energy.
The physical part of Yoga is only ONE part of Yoga.
Someone could be able to do physical poses easily on day 1.
Someone else could have studied Yoga & Philosophy of Yoga for many years and only include a few gentle poses in their practice...maybe no poses... you can do yoga and not have a physical practice.
When it comes to the physical practice it's great to challenge ourselves if that is what we are seeking from our practice, but take time with yourself to get there...when it is right for your body. How you feel "during" the class is important. If you are straining to breathe it doesn't feel so good...in Yoga the goal is to feel ease and steadiness in poses. Also, the mind is often pushing the body, comparing our practice to others, or maybe thinking we need to "achieve" something and that is when injuries can occur. Yoga is not like other activities...despite the fitness focus it has taken on here in the West. Ahimsa ( non-violence) begins with ourselves and caring for our body not beating ourselves up.
That is why at this center I promote a primarily slower, mindfulness based Yoga approach. As a Nurse I definitely want to keep the focus on safe and restoring movements. When we slow it down...we allow the nervous system to calm, which allows our immune system to respond.
Stay with the breath...Be supported by your practice.
We have enough to DO. What can we "receive" from our Yoga practice??
So come try Yoga knowing you are exactly where YOU need to be! We all start where we are and need to honor that... So to sum it up...what I want to point out here is the importance of intention for your practice and choosing what you need. It's all about you and your journey!
If you are new to Yoga I suggest starting with lower intensity.
If you are generally physically active without injuries any class will be ok.
*** Check with your Dr. if you have an injury or recovering from injury/surgery to be sure Yoga and movement/exercise in general is ok for you. Find out what your restrictions are. Please let us know your individual needs or limits with injuries or pain.
All poses are adaptable to individual needs or we find alternatives for ourselves...
You are always welcome to use a chair and make it work for your body.
We can help you personalize your yoga so you can grow and sustain a fun, nourishing and healing yoga practice.
Namaste - Kerry
Class Descriptions
What is Hatha? Our Yoga classes are primarily Hatha Yoga...All physical practice in Yoga styles come from Hatha roots. A Hatha practice includes: centering, physical asana (poses), breath practice, meditation and deep relaxation. Ha means sun and Tha means moon and with yoga the opposites come to balance. We find a balance in strength and flexibility, stillness and movement...finding ease and steadiness in our mind, body and spirit.
Yoga... Our Yoga Classes are for all... We offer a general Yoga class that moves at a pace that is breath centered. This class offers relaxed sequences allowing more space and time to hold and experience each pose. More time in the poses allows us to explore a deeper connection to the breath, body, mind and spirit. Great for balancing your busy life with a slower pace. Great class for ALL - from those new to Yoga to those with more Yoga experience. We work on strength and flexibility while finding ease and steadiness in each pose. You may not build so much heat in the body, but you will leave feeling lighter, looser, and relaxed. We give modifications to make it your own. Many Classes have a theme to explore and experience how to integrate yoga into our own life on and off the mat. **If desired: Bring a journal if you keep one as there will be a mindful meditation focus in most classes.
Gentle / Restorative Yoga - This meditative class is centered on gentle movements with longer holds for reconnecting to the body, mind and spirit. Great class for everyone! A Restorative class is a "receptive" practice...We let go of doing and find our own way to just "being"... Connect deeply on all layers of your being. Props are often used to support the body in some asanas (poses) to allow the body to rest. When the body slows down...that sends the message to the body that it is ok and helps turn off the "fight or flight" mode. Options are given to increase or decrease intensity as in all classes.
Wednesday - Calming Yoga - This class moves at a pace that allows you to recharge your energy. At day's end we will enjoy releasing tension through gentle flowing sequences combined with restorative poses to help make sure we sleep well! Class winds down with various energy balancing meditations or mindfulness techniques and an extended Savasana. We encourage options in all classes to support you in your practice. **If desired: Bring a journal if you keep one as there will be a mindful meditation focus in most classes.
Yin ... Yin Yoga offers a slower "Yin" class vs the "Yang" active classes. Yin offers longer held poses that target the connective tissue, fascia and help support better energy flow in the body. In a longer held pose we are able to go deeply within. Listen to your body to come OUT of poses when you feel ready. Discuss with the Teacher any questions for assistance with modifications or options.
Chair Yoga: Offered as Special Event classes. This yoga class is for ANYONE looking to incorporate more gentle yoga into their lives. The Arthritis Foundation recommends gentle Yoga for the body and mind. This class will be geared towards reducing stiffness, maintaining or improving joint function, increasing circulation, flexibility and finding an overall sense of well-being. The use of a chair helps when you may have pain from arthritis, chronic conditions or injury. You may have some difficulty getting up and down from the floor, difficulty with standing exercises or balance challenges. The class is gentle with options offered for your body. We also focus on breathing and meditation practices that can help with stress relief and pain management.
You will feel great doing something for your mind, body and spirit...
Guided Meditation
This group will be either in chairs or you may rest on a mat if desired for a guided themed meditation. Group will start with brief discussion regarding meditation then approximately 20 minutes of guided meditation. No experience with meditation necessary. Bring a journal or notebook if you wish to record anything from your meditation or the class. We end the class with a short intuitive journaling practice with imagery or prompts.
Floor OR Chair
Sunday Yoga - Gentle to Moderate Yoga - Slow Flow
This class is generally an eclectic blend of yoga, tai chi influenced movements, and gentle flows.
A great start to the day. A class where you can feel refreshed and balanced without overdoing it... It's Sunday!
We strive to improve balance and strength in a mindful, measured way.
As always Our focus at Life Balance Yoga & Wellness is finding some balance so we give our mind, body and spirit
a sense of harmony... NOT "over-doing" or burning out.
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****For those new to yoga - You don't need special Yoga clothes or expensive mats - just wear comfortable clothes for stretching and being on the floor.
You are welcome & encouraged to slow it down and skip sequences or poses that are not right for you. Listen to your body and take charge of your own practice.
Many Classes include a theme, teachings on yoga philosophy and more so we can learn and deepen our yoga practice together.
If you need or prefer a chair you are welcome to participate from the chair and we can help modify poses.
**Feel free to bring water / we have some water to purchase also
**Studio has mats available to use
**No "Hot Yoga"
